Written questions by Savage.

What plans her Department has to introduce a minimum period of lawful residence after which Ukrainian nationals under the Homes for Ukraine scheme may apply for settled status.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

What steps her Department is taking to reduce uncertainty for Ukrainian families hosted in the UK regarding their long-term immigration status.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

What criteria her Department uses to determine when Ukraine is considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements for Ukrainian nationals.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

What weight her Department gives to factors such as school attendance, English language acquisition, and community integration when assessing the future immigration status of Ukrainian families.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

What assessment her Department has made of the humanitarian implications for Ukrainian families who have established long-term residence in the UK of being required to return to Ukraine following the expiry of current visa arrangements.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment, and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure, and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society, and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

What plans her Department has to introduce a route to indefinite leave to remain for Ukrainian nationals currently residing in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact on the welfare of Ukrainian children who have lived in the UK for extended periods if they are required to return to Ukraine; and what consideration is given to the best interests of the child in visa and settlement decisions affecting Ukrainian families.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Government recognises the impact that uncertainty can have on Ukrainian individuals and families who have built their lives in the UK, including pressures relating to housing, employment and education. We recognise that this uncertainty can be particularly acute for families with children who have lived in the UK for extended periods. The Government has therefore taken concrete steps to provide greater certainty and stability, including extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and widening the application window to support effective forward planning.In exercising immigration functions, the Home Secretary has regard to the statutory duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom. In line with this duty, the best interests of the child are treated as a primary consideration in immigration decisions affecting Ukrainian families, while recognising that they are not the only consideration.The Government keeps the situation in Ukraine under close and active review, taking into account security conditions, humanitarian infrastructure and the ability of civilians to return safely and sustainably. No single criterion determines when Ukraine would be considered sufficiently safe for the purposes of ending temporary protection arrangements, and no decisions have been taken at this stage.The Ukraine schemes are temporary in nature and do not provide a route to settlement. Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards the Long Residence route.The Government recognises the importance of longer‑term clarity and is actively considering the future position. In doing so, it is drawing on a wide range of evidence from across government, academia, civil society and stakeholder engagement. It will respond in a responsible and considered manner, and intends to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) legislation and (b) guidance in enabling police forces to take account of patterns of reported dangerous driving behaviour when determining whether to pursue enforcement action following a road traffic incident.

The existing legislative framework provides the police with appropriate powers to investigate and take enforcement action in response to incidents involving dangerous driving. Any form of dangerous driving is considered a serious road safety issue.How police powers are exercised, including how offending patterns are taken into account, is a matter for the operational judgement of Chief Constables. Decisions on whether to pursue enforcement action following a road traffic incident are made on a case‑by‑case basis, informed by the circumstances of the incident, available evidence and local intelligence.Guidance for police in this area is provided by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council. This guidance supports officers to assess risk, proportionality and evidence, and enables forces to make use of intelligence and information where appropriate when determining the most suitable policing response.The Government keeps legislation and guidance under review but does not direct the police on individual enforcement decisions, reflecting the operational independence of the police.

What guidance is issued to police forces on the investigation of road traffic collisions involving horses and riders where serious injury is caused; and whether she has plans to review existing guidance where no human fatality has occurred.

Guidance is set out on the investigation of all road collisions resulting in serious injury and fatality, by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.The police are the lead agency for investigations of road traffic collisions and have the primary duty to investigate and establish the circumstances that have led to any serious injury involving horses and riders.The Government has no plans to review guidance for police officers which informs operational decisions, including the investigation of road traffic collisions, as police have the knowledge, expertise and training to inform reasonable guidance and decisions.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent trends in Special Constabulary numbers on diversity and representation within the wider police workforce.

Police forces that reflect the communities they serve are crucial to tackling crime in a modern diverse society. The police have and continue to work hard to improve equality and diversity and the workforce is more representative than ever before.The Special Constabulary is more ethnically diverse than other parts of the police workforce. As at 31 March 2025, 13% of Specials belong to a Black, Asian, Mixed or Other ethnic group, compared with 8.5% of officers. However, this is still lower than the general population, where 18% of people identify as belonging to a Black, Asian, Mixed or Other ethnic group.As at 31 March 2025, 25% of special constables were female, compared to 36% of regular officers. We will continue to work with policing partners to improve representation.The Government’s Police Reform White Paper acknowledges that volunteers bring fresh perspectives, skills and increased diversity into policing and outlines our ambition to grow the number of special constables. This includes working closely with policing to identify ways to improve and streamline recruitment processes and learning from other volunteering models to inform the continued development of police volunteering.

Whether her Department has considered proposals to replace or reform the Special Constabulary through the creation of a national police reserve or auxiliary force; and if she will publish any internal reviews or policy papers relating to alternative volunteer policing models.

The Home Office currently has no plans to introduce a formal police reserve or auxiliary force. However, as part of the Police Reform White Paper, we are committed to working with policing partners and organisations such as the Fire and Rescue Service and the Armed Forces to assess alternative and innovative volunteering models, learning lessons to inform the continued development of police volunteering.The department does not routinely publish internal reviews, policy advice or options papers relating to volunteer policing models.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of employment protections for special constables undertaking mandatory training or deployment; and whether she plans to introduce statutory employment rights comparable to those available to Reserve Forces personnel.

Special constables are not employees of police forces and therefore do not fall within the scope of employment legislation in the same way as paid staff. There is currently no statutory requirement on employers to provide paid or unpaid leave for employees undertaking special constable duties, including mandatory training or deployment. However, many employers choose to support special constables voluntarily, including through the Employer Supported Policing scheme.As part of the Employment Rights Bill, the Government has committed to undertake a statutory review of the civic roles covered by section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, including whether special constables should be included. This review will consider the existing arrangements and the case for additional statutory protections.

Whether the Government plans to increase the role of volunteer policing within neighbourhood policing strategies; and what role she envisages for special constables and any future reserve model.

The number of special constables has declined year on year, falling from a peak of 20,343 in March 2012 to just 5,304 as of September 2025. As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, the Government is committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables, and building a resilient, community focused policing model.The Police Reform White Paper set out our ambition to work with policing partners to identify and remove barriers to recruitment, streamline processes, and better integrate special constables into wider policing. We also set out that we will be working with organisations such as the Fire Service and the Armed Forces to assess alternative and innovative volunteering models, learning lessons to inform the continued development of police volunteering.The Government, in collaboration with policing, has established a Special Constables Taskforce to deliver on our ambitions, bringing together senior policing leaders to develop and implement innovative solutions to grow special constable numbers.

What assessment she has made of trends in the number of special constables in England and Wales since 2012; and what steps her Department is taking to help increase volunteer officer numbers.

The number of special constables has declined year on year, falling from a peak of 20,343 in March 2012 to just 5,304 as of September 2025. As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, the Government is committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables, and building a resilient, community focused policing model.The Police Reform White Paper set out our ambition to work with policing partners to identify and remove barriers to recruitment, streamline processes, and better integrate special constables into wider policing. We also set out that we will be working with organisations such as the Fire Service and the Armed Forces to assess alternative and innovative volunteering models, learning lessons to inform the continued development of police volunteering.The Government, in collaboration with policing, has established a Special Constables Taskforce to deliver on our ambitions, bringing together senior policing leaders to develop and implement innovative solutions to grow special constable numbers.

What steps her Department is taking to help reduce levels of variation between police forces in relation to training, deployment, equipment and operational roles for special constables.

In the Police Reform White Paper the Home Secretary announced the most significant reforms to policing in 200 years. As part of this, we have committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables, by working with policing to attract new special constables, improving and streamlining the recruitment process and better integrating special constables into wider policing.Forces are responsible for the local delivery of training and managing promotion processes for special constables. The College of Policing supports forces on the development and progression of special constables’ learning alongside guidance on continuous professional development. It also sets the Special Constable Policing Professional Profile, which outlines the core training, skills, and responsibilities for special constables in line with the national police curriculum.Special constables’ powers and responsibilities are set out in legislation, and forces are responsible for deploying special constables in a way that reflects local operational need while maintaining public confidence and officer safety.

What discussions she has had with the College of Policing on access for special constables to national promotion exams and PEQF pathways; and whether she plans to standardise eligibility criteria across forces.

In the Police Reform White Paper the Home Secretary announced the most significant reforms to policing in 200 years. As part of this, we have committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables, by working with policing to attract new special constables, improving and streamlining the recruitment process and better integrating special constables into wider policing.Forces are responsible for the local delivery of training and managing promotion processes for special constables. The College of Policing supports forces on the development and progression of special constables’ learning alongside guidance on continuous professional development. It also sets the Special Constable Policing Professional Profile, which outlines the core training, skills, and responsibilities for special constables in line with the national police curriculum.Special constables’ powers and responsibilities are set out in legislation, and forces are responsible for deploying special constables in a way that reflects local operational need while maintaining public confidence and officer safety.

Whether she plans to review the legislative status of special constables to help ensure clarity on police powers, rank structures and professional standards across all Home Office forces.

In the Police Reform White Paper the Home Secretary announced the most significant reforms to policing in 200 years. As part of this, we have committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables, by working with policing to attract new special constables, improving and streamlining the recruitment process and better integrating special constables into wider policing.Forces are responsible for the local delivery of training and managing promotion processes for special constables. The College of Policing supports forces on the development and progression of special constables’ learning alongside guidance on continuous professional development. It also sets the Special Constable Policing Professional Profile, which outlines the core training, skills, and responsibilities for special constables in line with the national police curriculum.Special constables’ powers and responsibilities are set out in legislation, and forces are responsible for deploying special constables in a way that reflects local operational need while maintaining public confidence and officer safety.

If she will review the Minimum Income Requirement to ensure that retired British citizens with substantial savings and no recourse to public funds are not prevented from living in the UK with their spouse.

The financial requirements of the Family Immigration Rules are currently under review following the independent report of the Migration Advisory Committee, published in June. However, the rules already provide for the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) to be met with savings, either on their own or combined with other forms of income, including pension income. Full details can be found at: Chapter 08 – appendix FM family members: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK

What steps her Department is taking to strengthen the requirements for overseas criminal record checks for migrant care workers applying for sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker visa route.

We take the issue of preventing foreign criminals entering the UK extremely seriously.Overseas criminal record certificates are one of a number of checks undertaken to establish whether a person has committed any offences overseas.Visa applicants coming here to work in education, health and social care sectors must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This continues to be considered a fair balance between capturing any significant and recent criminal history, and what is available from some territories’ criminal record data systems.The requirement strengthens the existing process of checks enabling us to establish whether the person has committed any offences overseas, including standard self-declaration of any criminal history as part of an application to come to the UK.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the length of time covered by overseas criminal record certificates.

We take the issue of preventing foreign criminals entering the UK extremely seriously.Overseas criminal record certificates are one of a number of checks undertaken to establish whether a person has committed any offences overseas.Visa applicants coming here to work in education, health and social care sectors must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This continues to be considered a fair balance between capturing any significant and recent criminal history, and what is available from some territories’ criminal record data systems.The requirement strengthens the existing process of checks enabling us to establish whether the person has committed any offences overseas, including standard self-declaration of any criminal history as part of an application to come to the UK.